Ukrainian refugees prepare to celebrate Orthodox Christmas in St. Jacobs

Ukrainians in Waterloo region will be celebrating Orthodox Christmas on Saturday.

For those whomoved here as refugees over the past year, it will be their first time putting up a Christmas tree away from their home country.

To celebrate, residents of the Ukrainian Guest House, formerly known as the old Jakobstettel Country Inn,put together a small celebration, bringing Ukrainian Christmas to St. Jacobs.

Here arepictures from some of the days spentin preparation for Christmas day:

On Saturday, residents of the Ukrainian Guest House will invite volunteers to join them in celebrating Orthodox Christmas.

On Thursday afternoon as preparations were underway, theguest house was decorated with lights, handmade ornaments and two Christmas trees.

Attendeeswere greeted with the delicious smell of traditionalfood, lively musicand festive clothes.